The contest was hosted by the Portsmouth Elks Lodge #97 and conducted at the Portsmouth High School. Over 23 boy and girl contestants participated at this level of competition.

After the contest was completed, a lunch and awards ceremony was held for all contestants, parents, Elk's members and supporters of the event at the Elks Lodge on Jones Avenue in Portsmouth.

Conor scored 20 baskets out of 25 attempts for second place, but was bested by Brendan Walker, who represented the Littleton, NH Elks #1831 and scored 22 out of 25 baskets. Other entrants in this division included Cameron Pollack, representing Manchester Elks #146 and Colin Roper, representing the Plymouth Elks #2312.

The Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program is a nationwide program and is open to all boys and girls, ages 8 through 13. It progresses through various levels, starting with the Local Lodge Contest, followed by the North and South District Contests.

District winners qualify to compete at the state level. Those winners progress to the regional contest. For New England, the regionals are held in Portland, Maine. This year, the contest will be held on March 23. The regional winners qualify to compete at the national l in Springfield, Mass. . Winners have their names permanently inscribed in the Basketball Hall of Fame. The finals will be held April 18-20.

The Elks National Hoop Shoot program attracts over 3,000,000 participants on a yearly basis.

If you would like to learn more about the Elks Hoop Shoot and its other programs, please visit www.elks.org